Page 60 - Eclipse - Autumn 2021

Money Matters

Supporting students in difficult times

he pandemic has affected our As well as these additional costs, Thanks to the support of RVC
community in many ways, but the closing of much of the hospitality alumni, we have been able to
the effect on our students has industry meant many students who extend the Emergency COVID-19
Tbeen particularly concerning, had relied on part-time jobs to support Fund into the new academic year.
especially in relation to the impact on themselves were left without a vital
their finances and the immense stress income stream. The additional financial
this can cause. pressures caused by the pandemic
were multiple and varied. The RVC Alumni Fund
Shelley Revell, Student Money
Adviser and Deputy Head of The RVC already has a Student Donations to the RVC Alumni
the Advice Centre, commented: Support Fund, thanks to donations Fund enable us to help
“Students raised concerns about from alumni and supporters, but this students when they really
the financial pressure they have was not sufficient to help our students need it. This year it means we
encountered due to their studies in these difficult circumstances. The
moving to remote and then blended RVC received additional funds from the have been able to alleviate
learning in the pandemic. Many of government to support students’ digital the financial stresses of the
our students relied on the computers needs but whilst this support was very many students impacted by
on campus to complete their work welcome, demand far exceeded supply. the pandemic. We all want
up until the pandemic. The move to The RVC’s charity, the Animal Care Trust, students to achieve their full
online exams in the autumn term of therefore created a new Emergency potential and money worries
2020/21 meant a renewed call from COVID-19 Fund which has been
students for support with the costs of managed by the Student Support Team. can severely impact on studies.
equipment like laptops, headsets and The team was inundated with Thanks to your support we are
improved broadband connections.” able to help students regain
applications from students from all years
In addition, EMS costs increased as and all courses, both undergraduate that focus on their work.
students had to find accommodation and postgraduate levels of study. Even If you would like to donate to
at hotels rather than staying with staff applications to the regular Student the RVC Alumni Fund call us
and they were required to use their Support Fund doubled compared to on 01707 666237, email us
own cars rather than travel with their pre-pandemic levels. at act@rvc.ac.uk or donate
hosts. International students found Whilst some of the financial pressures online through our website
themselves having to pay for multiple have eased as restrictions have been
commercial COVID-19 tests and lifted, it is likely the pandemic will affect rvc.ac.uk/alumni
occasionally hotel quarantine as they our students for some time.
travelled to and from campus from
their home countries.

60